Job summary Calling all Mental Health Practitioners An exciting opportunity has arisen to provide your expertise working in Primary Care as part of a General Practice team. This role will be based in Swift Primary Care Network practices in South Bristol. We are redesigning our community mental health services so that, in future, people receive a personalized, preventative and proactive integrated approach. Primary Care, voluntary services and AWP are working together to provide a one team approach for our local populations and your role as a Mental Health Practitioner in is key to the success of this approach. This post is open to newly qualified social workers. In line with AWP trust policy all newly qualified social workers (NQSW) will be recruited initially at Band 5 level, regardless of advertised role banding. All NQSW's are expected to successfully complete their ASYE within 2 years of employment, unless there are exceptional circumstances in which case it may be extended for a further 2 years. If you have been appointed to an advertised Band 6 role this will be an automatic progression, following confirmation of your successful ASYE completion. If you have been appointed to a Band 5 post you will then be eligible to apply for a subsequent Band 6 vacancy upon successful ASYE completion. Main duties of the job You will be working alongside our communities and local authorities with patients and their families making sure that issues such as housing, debt, carer fatigue and addictions are addressed at the same time as mental health problems. As a Mental Health Practitioner (social worker/occupational therapist/mental health nurse) you will be working with a range of other professionals including care navigators and peer support workers to combine the existing services and provide a one team approach. Delivering care from GP's surgeries this is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of local service provision moving forward. Swift PCN & AWP are committed to providing high-quality care for our population and work collaboratively to provide excellent care and reduce the impact of health inequalities across our patient population. We are also committed to being good employers. Staff have the right to be treated fairly in recruitment and career progression. Staff can expect to work in an environment where diversity is valued, and equality of opportunity is promoted. Staff will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We expect all staff to treat patients and colleagues with dignity and respect. About us We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset. Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care. At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger. Date posted 17 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number 342-BR009-0125 Job locations SWIFT PCN- Primary Care South Bristol BS4 1WH Job description Job responsibilities Give best practice advice and support in a broad range of conditions for people with both functional and organic mental health needs. Promote the needs of family and carer/s, including various support networks and third sector agencies. Advise and support on evaluating risk from a positive risk-taking perspective. Support and advise within safeguarding and public protection procedures where the issues are complicated by mental health problems, alongside Primary Care colleagues. Provide a prompt response to all contacts following jointly agreed procedures and within agreed time frames. Ensure, where needed, that people experience a seamless transfer into AWP provider/treatment services via trusted assessment processes. Following assessment, provide short- term follow up of patients where appropriate. Contribute evidence-based expertise to multi-disciplinary team processes. Promote positive attitudes, mutual understanding and collaboration between non-mental health staff and mental health services, users, carers, voluntary agencies, primary care and social services. Demonstrate responsibility for developing own practice in line with professional qualifications and for contributing to the development of others, by making use of and providing, effective feedback, supervision, coaching and appraisal. Adhere to the relevant professional code of conduct ensuring required skills and competencies required are maintained. Monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others, undertaking assessments and taking appropriate action where required. Develop own knowledge and practice, and contribute to the development of others, making use of available feedback, supervision and appraisal to identify appropriate areas of development for this work role, taking responsibility for accessing identified learning and training opportunities. Maintain appropriate health record, in accordance with professional and organisational standards. AWP values its staff and makes investment in their development a priority. Currently we offer the following development opportunities for staff: Development pathways for registered staff in bands 5, 6, 7 and 8. Leadership programs. Coaching and mentoring. Access to training via the Workforce Development Fund. An induction program tailored to your needs. Strong on-boarding and a buddy system. Rewards and benefits As an AWP member of staff you will be able to access the following: Discounts available from retailers, UK hotels and main attractions often up to 15% savings. NHS Pension Scheme. Cycle to work scheme (scheme available several times a year). Flexible working options considered. Relocation package may be considered for the right candidate. Please see attached job description and person specification for full details. Job description Job responsibilities Give best practice advice and support in a broad range of conditions for people with both functional and organic mental health needs. Promote the needs of family and carer/s, including various support networks and third sector agencies. Advise and support on evaluating risk from a positive risk-taking perspective. Support and advise within safeguarding and public protection procedures where the issues are complicated by mental health problems, alongside Primary Care colleagues. Provide a prompt response to all contacts following jointly agreed procedures and within agreed time frames. Ensure, where needed, that people experience a seamless transfer into AWP provider/treatment services via trusted assessment processes. Following assessment, provide short- term follow up of patients where appropriate. Contribute evidence-based expertise to multi-disciplinary team processes. Promote positive attitudes, mutual understanding and collaboration between non-mental health staff and mental health services, users, carers, voluntary agencies, primary care and social services. Demonstrate responsibility for developing own practice in line with professional qualifications and for contributing to the development of others, by making use of and providing, effective feedback, supervision, coaching and appraisal. Adhere to the relevant professional code of conduct ensuring required skills and competencies required are maintained. Monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others, undertaking assessments and taking appropriate action where required. Develop own knowledge and practice, and contribute to the development of others, making use of available feedback, supervision and appraisal to identify appropriate areas of development for this work role, taking responsibility for accessing identified learning and training opportunities. Maintain appropriate health record, in accordance with professional and organisational standards. AWP values its staff and makes investment in their development a priority. Currently we offer the following development opportunities for staff: Development pathways for registered staff in bands 5, 6, 7 and 8. Leadership programs. Coaching and mentoring. Access to training via the Workforce Development Fund. An induction program tailored to your needs. Strong on-boarding and a buddy system. Rewards and benefits As an AWP member of staff you will be able to access the following: Discounts available from retailers, UK hotels and main attractions often up to 15% savings. NHS Pension Scheme. Cycle to work scheme (scheme available several times a year). Flexible working options considered. Relocation package may be considered for the right candidate. Please see attached job description and person specification for full details. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Professional qualification in mental health equivalent to Registered RMN, Registered Social worker or Registered Therapist Current registration with a professional body and commitment to CPD Detailed working knowledge secondary specialist mental health services and the wider health and social care community and the third sector. Significant skills and experience in educating and training the mainstream workforce, particularly non-specialist mental health workers Demonstrates substantial experience of assessing risk and developing risk management strategies Desirable Relevant post-registration qualifications, such as Thorn, Non-Medical Prescribing, CBT, AMHP, Brief Interventions etc Experience & Knowledge Essential Front line experience of using advanced assessment skills especially in determining the nature and severity of mental illness/health (functional and organic) and differentiation between physical and mental health symptoms and conditions Extensive working knowledge of the structure of the wider health and social care community including statutory and non-statutory services and direct experience of multi professional and inter-agency working and collaboration Specialist knowledge of the needs, treatment approaches and rights of people with mental health problems and the needs of their carers and family. Significant and demonstrable levels of initiative utilised within practice and work delivery Desirable Experience gained in a wide variety of settings, including Primary Care Skills & Abilities Essential Strong track record and ability to act with high levels of diplomacy whilst maintaining the strength of relationship to challenge inaccurate assumptions and perceptions Highly developed verbal communication skills, able to engage effectively with people at all levels, even when a more assertive approach is needed. Conversant with policies and national drivers influencing the service development in question, plus a broader and detailed understanding of the respective legislation affecting the people using the service Able to articulate a detailed understanding of the relevant legal frameworks/legislation including CPA process, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Safeguarding Other Requirements Essential Mobile with the facility to move quickly across a geographically dispersed area with limited access to public transport Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Professional qualification in mental health equivalent to Registered RMN, Registered Social worker or Registered Therapist Current registration with a professional body and commitment to CPD Detailed working knowledge secondary specialist mental health services and the wider health and social care community and the third sector. Significant skills and experience in educating and training the mainstream workforce, particularly non-specialist mental health workers Demonstrates substantial experience of assessing risk and developing risk management strategies Desirable Relevant post-registration qualifications, such as Thorn, Non-Medical Prescribing, CBT, AMHP, Brief Interventions etc Experience & Knowledge Essential Front line experience of using advanced assessment skills especially in determining the nature and severity of mental illness/health (functional and organic) and differentiation between physical and mental health symptoms and conditions Extensive working knowledge of the structure of the wider health and social care community including statutory and non-statutory services and direct experience of multi professional and inter-agency working and collaboration Specialist knowledge of the needs, treatment approaches and rights of people with mental health problems and the needs of their carers and family. Significant and demonstrable levels of initiative utilised within practice and work delivery Desirable Experience gained in a wide variety of settings, including Primary Care Skills & Abilities Essential Strong track record and ability to act with high levels of diplomacy whilst maintaining the strength of relationship to challenge inaccurate assumptions and perceptions Highly developed verbal communication skills, able to engage effectively with people at all levels, even when a more assertive approach is needed. Conversant with policies and national drivers influencing the service development in question, plus a broader and detailed understanding of the respective legislation affecting the people using the service Able to articulate a detailed understanding of the relevant legal frameworks/legislation including CPA process, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Safeguarding Other Requirements Essential Mobile with the facility to move quickly across a geographically dispersed area with limited access to public transport Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust Address SWIFT PCN- Primary Care South Bristol BS4 1WH Employer's website http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)